NDP environment critic Rob Altemeyer stands near the river behind the Manitoba Legislature on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. Altemeyer says a project that could send U.S. water into Manitoba's waterways raises plenty of questions and concerns. JOYANNE PURSAGA/Winnipeg SunSunMedia

The Manitoba government is being accused of putting provincial waterways at risk of pollution and invasive species through a settlement it signed on a major U.S. water project.

But the minister responsible for the file said the recent deal actually ensures Manitoba has the power to protect the water.

On Wednesday, Manitoba’s NDP environment critic called the Progressive Conservative government’s decision to withdraw its appeal of the Northwest Area Water Supply (NAWS) project, and join the project’s adaptive management team instead, a “betrayal” of Manitobans.

“The Pallister government launched a secretive negotiating process with North Dakota and they have now announced that they are approving a water diversion project that could utterly destroy existing industries and greatly contaminate our water supplies for generations to come,” said Rob Altemeyer.

NAWS, which is expected to cost $244 million, would carry water from the Missouri River to the north-central region of North Dakota, which would eventually enter the Assiniboine River system.

Altemeyer said that could send invasive species, algae-producing nutrients and other pollutants into Manitoba waterways, a risk he insists even the most high-tech water treatment plant can’t completely eliminate.

“As soon as those waters are connected, it’s literally a ticking time bomb waiting for something to go wrong,” said Altemeyer.

In October 2017, the province announced it would appeal a U.S. District court decision to allow the completion of NAWS. At that time, Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires said mixing waters between the two basins risked spreading disease that could cost Manitoba’s fishing industry “hundreds of millions of dollars per year.”

But on Wednesday, Squires said the province’s diplomatic work will ensure harmful contaminants and species are removed from the water before it crosses the border.

“What we’ve done, essentially, is secured a seat at the table for Manitoba to voice concerns and ensure that Manitoba water is protected,” said Squires.

It’s unclear exactly how much power the agreement will provide Manitoba, since the memorandum of understanding states the United States Bureau of Reclamation will retain “sole decision-making authority” on the project.

But Squires said the agreement also ensures the project will include a water treatment plant that greatly reduces that risk.

“There will be substantial treatment of the water,” she said.

NAWS supporters say the project is key to ensuring a reliable drinking water supply for many Americans. The project was first proposed in 1986 but has faced court battles ever since, with Manitoba first suing in 2002.

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